The Diabetes Self-Help was set up by Dr Sonal Bhavsar to offer help and support to diabetic patients, both socially and emotionally. She decided to set up a self-help group
after a personal gestational diagnosis with Diabetes in 2004 and a history of diabetes in the family. With it being one of the most common conditions, she wanted to help reduce
the stress factors within the community in Leicester – this is why the group was formed.

After several attempts to set up the group, the Manager of the Belgrave Library Mary Pringle offered the group a meeting place within the
library premises. The group meetings began, twice a month on Saturdays.

Over time, the group expanded from a small group (5 people), to about 30 people. As the interest within the group grew, the meetings were then held once a week. These meetings consisted of group discussions, including weekly talks from health specialists and other professionals such as: Nurses, General Practitioners, Solicitors and Meditation Healers.

At present, the number of registered members consists of approximately 100!

Who can join

If you are suffering from Diabetes Type 1 or Type 2

If you are on a tablet or insulin

If you are diagnosed with Borderline Diabetes

If a family member carries Diabetes therefore, you are at high risk

A carer of someone who is a Diabetic patient

General public, who would like more information on Diabetes

What we do

The aim is to share our personal experiences on diet, exercise and lifestyle in relation to Diabetes.

We invite health professionals, who attend our group meetings and offer advice, information and guidance on health and looking after yourself.

We discuss various different areas of health in the group meetings every week, such as: Diet, Stress, Exercising, Self-management.

We carry out activities, both indoor and outdoors, such as: local trips, picnics.
Also, social activities, such as ‘Jewellery making’ and educational, such as: learning about health and well-being.